Over the years Old Greenbrier Baptist Church has had thirty ministers. Many of these men were scholars; several have had such strong personalities that they left their marks on the community for a generation.

The Baptist denomination is one of the most democratic. On July 29, 1797, the question was raised as to women speaking in church and making public prayers. The Greenbrier Baptists decided women had as much freedom as male members. Frequently, even before, and many times after that time, women members have represented the Church in calling on delinquent members, or to make church inquiries. At the present, the Board of Deacons is divided equally between men and women, and the Church Clerk is a woman.

In 1801 colored members were admitted, and there is evidence that negroes were taught by white members. They were baptized with white members, and the Church was careful that their letters of membership were forwarded when they moved away from the community.

No member seemed to have any special privilege. Thomas Alderson, one of the first twelve members, and brother of Elder John, was once excommunicated for some angry remarks. Scores of persons of many a pioneer family felt the wrath of the Church. Old Greenbrier was independent in its government. Although it belonged to the Baptist Association, it acted as it pleased on occasion.

In 1880 Old Greenbrier Baptist Church organized Alderson Baptist Church on the south side of the Greenbrier. For years, members on the south side had had trouble getting across the river, especially in winter. So if they could not get to church, the Church would go to them. It was resolved to build a Baptist Church on the Monroe side. A church was organized but no church built. It was not necessary. Greenbrier and Monroe Counties built the first bridge in 1882. Alderson Baptist Church united with its parent and became a bit of history.

Old Greenbrier Baptist Church has aided or been instrumental in the establishment of at least twenty other Baptist churches. The four listed by Joseph Alderson in his history in 1842 have been noted. The First Baptist Church of Beckley traces its establishment to churches founded by Greenbrier Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church of Princeton was established in 1860 by Matthew Ellison, then pastor of Greenbrier Baptist Church. This famous Baptist preached 7000 sermons and baptized 2000 people, and helped organize at least twenty-five congregations. So it is impossible to state precisely how many Baptist Churches have their origin in Old Greenbrier Baptist Church. That would be an interesting task for a church historian.

Presently, the minister of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church is John W. Wagster, a tall young red-headed personable man, who became minister in 1960. The present membership is 465, and the Church is energetic and progressive in its gospel mission as set forth 1n the original Covenant written in 1781.

This Writer admits to the inadequacy of this history of Old Greenbrier, for a real history of this church would correspond to that of the Alderson community, Greenbrier County, the State of West Virginia, and of our Nation.

Ref: Beckley Post-Herald, December 30, 1947. "Old Greenbrier Church History" by Joseph Alderson, 1842 . 
Minutes of the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church
Greenbrier County Court Records Papers of Joseph Newman Alderson
175th Anniversary History
125th Anniversary History, Reverend J. W. Morgan
Reverend John Wagster, June I964

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The contents contained in this series is copyrighted and the sole property of The Greenbrier Historical Society - Lewisburg, WV
Used by permission - November 18, 2008